The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/10/07 Section: News

Media Credit: LINDY DUGGER University President Mike Adams and University Athletic Director Damon Evans talk to event guests during UGA Legislative Day on Saturday. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: LINDY DUGGER Atlanta businessman McKee Nunnally Sr. talks with Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue during UGA Legislative Day 2007. [Click to enlarge]

Football, education and politics came together Saturday for Legislative Day.

The Office of Gover-nment Relations brought more than 350 political leaders and their families from around the Peach State. The fourth floor of the Student Learning Center was transformed into a tailgaters' delight with a buffet and two big-screen televisions.

"The Dogs are quite an attraction - 92,000 strong. Even legislatures love the Dogs," said republican Gov. Sonny Perdue.

"It is a great venue and it is a festive occasion and it enables people to come together, have a lot fun, watch the Dogs, cheer on the Dogs and learn about the University," Perdue said. "I think the University uses it well in helping to showcase what goes on, on-campus."

Democrat Ed Tarver, a state senator of the 22nd district from Augusta, graduated from the University's law school in 1991 and brought his family out to the game.

"I am a big Bulldog fan," Tarver said while sitting down to enjoy his meal. "For me, I would come to the University gameday or not, but I am sure that there are those who don't have ties to the University that would have reservations about coming."

The annual border-battle game between the University and the University of South Carolina only helped the turnout at the event.

"I think it brings people together in a nice way and it unifies the campus. It has value in more than just the game itself," University President Michael Adams said.

Adams said he understands gameday Saturday is a part of University building, outreach and money.

"I sometimes remind people that the legislature is by far our biggest donor, so we try to treat them that way," he said. "We do this every year and I think it is a sign to them both of our quality and that the state owns us. They certainly enjoy it."

Most of the University's top administrative brass came out to the event, including Vice President for Instruction Jere W. Morehead, Vice President of Public Affairs Tom Jackson and, of course, Hairy Dawg.

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